The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs

“Wonders” are the novel’s central motif and feature in the book’s title. The idea of wonders begins with a reference to the Seven Wonders of the World. Eben is inspired by these wonders, which for him represent “amazing things” as humanity’s greatest achievements. However, the remainder of the text complicates the meaning of wonders. Eben reads that a wonder is “a marvel[,] that which arouses awe, astonishment, surprise, or admiration” (9). This connects the idea of wonder to human emotions, suggesting that excitement and inspiration can be found in everyday life. Initially, Eben expects to find “big” things as wonders. Similarly, Jeb believes that “[a] rich person is more likely to have a Wonder than a poor one” (38), implying that rich people lead happier and more interesting lives. However, the story challenges this notion. Eben finds wonders among ordinary people who possess simple objects with special meaning.

The idea of wonders is reinforced by elements of magical realism and connects to The Importance of Imagination in Childhood. Many of the stories in the text resist rational explanation, containing magical and fairytale-like characteristics that underscore the creativity of children’s minds. 

The motif also acquires a religious meaning in several stories, which characterize wonders as miracles from God.